UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Klamath Falls Resource Area DECISION RECORD #2 FOR OREGON GULCH FIRE SALVAGE AND REHABILITATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #DOI-BLM-OR-L040-2015-01-EA INTRODUCTION The potential effects of multiple proposed actions are analyzed in the Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment (EA) #DOI-BLM-OR-L040-2015-01. This Decision Record #2 applies only to the forest management actions analyzed in the EA such as timber salvage, tree planting, and associated road management actions. The previous Decision Record #1 applied to fire rehabilitation treatments such as fence repair and construction, noxious weed (medusahead rye) treatment, seeding, and replacement of a wildlife guzzler. Voluntary agreements have already been signed with the two range permittees to temporarily suspend livestock grazing in the burned portions of the Dixie and Edge Creek Allotments, so resting the allotments was not included in either Decision. The Klamath Falls Resource Area (KFRA) interdisciplinary team analyzed the proposed actions based on: (a) current resource conditions in the project area, (b) the results of monitoring previous activities within and surrounding the project area, (c) meeting the purpose and need as identified in the Oregon Gulch EA, (d) implementation of the management action and direction stipulated in the 1995 Klamath Falls Resource Area Resource Management Plan (RMP), and (e) comments from the public. The proposals presented and evaluated in the Oregon Gulch EA reflect what the interdisciplinary team determined to be the best balance and integration of resource conditions, resource potentials, competing management objectives, and expressed interests and concerns of the public. DECISION It is my decision to implement a combination of Alternatives 3 and 4 for the proposed forest management actions, along with all of the project design features (PDFs) and best management practices (BMPs) listed on pages 13-15 of the EA. Alternative 3 will be applied on Matrix lands only. Alternative 4 will be implemented on District Designated Reserves (DDRs - also referred to as Late Successional Reserves (LSRs) throughout the EA), Riparian Reserves (RR), and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). These treatments are summarized in Table 1 below, followed by a detailed description, and my decision rationale. The treatments are also displayed on the attached Decision Record #2 Map. Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 1 of 8 Table 1. Treatments Selected (in bold) by Action Alternative Area or Treatment Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Salvage harvest approx. 1,650 acres in Matrix Salvage and Snag Retention in Matrix Retain 10 snags per acre. As a minimum, retain the 4 largest snags available per acre and retain 6 snags in the 10-20 inch diameter range per acre. Retain all standing snags 10”dbh and less. As a minimum, retain 2.6 conifer snags per acre (decay class one and two) with a minimum diameter of 20 inches on one snag and greater than 16 inches on the 1.6 snags (see PDFs in EA for details). Retain standing snags 10”dbh and less. Salvage in District Designated Reserves (DDRs) Salvage in Riparian Reserves(RR) Salvage in Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Salvage in NSO Dispersal habitat (no NRF) Road Construction Tree Planting (All action alternatives) Road Closures (0.81 mile total) Partial harvest Retain all snags 16” DBH and larger Yes, same snag retention as Matrix No – inner Yes –outer, but retain all snags 16” DBH and larger Yes – inner and outer, same snag retention as Matrix Partial harvest Retain all snags 16” DBH and larger Yes, same snag retention as Matrix Alternative 4 Reserve from post-fire salvage logging 40% of the KFRA forested acreage within the fire perimeter that has the highest potential for blackbacked woodpecker occupancy. On the remaining 1,578 acres, conduct salvage operations, but as a minimum, retain 3 snags per acre (one 20+" snag and two 16+" snags per acre). Remove all standing snags 10” dbh and less on the 1,578 acres. No salvage in DDRs No salvage in RR No salvage in ACEC No harvest of trees with live canopy Yes - harvest of dead and dying trees No Yes, 0.30 mile No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No harvest of trees with live canopy Alternative 3 for Matrix lands The EA displayed the project area as 4,870 acres, including approximately 3,424 acres of Matrix lands. The actual project area is 4,865 acres after ground-truthing the fire perimeter. Approximately 1,650 acres of Matrix lands will be salvage harvested and planted. The EA displayed 1,796 acres available for salvage under Alternative 3, but units were adjusted during on-the-ground layout due to concerns such as access, operational feasibility, and cultural resources. Snag retention: In all salvage harvest units, 2.6 snags per acre (decay class one and two) will be retained, with a minimum diameter of 20 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) for one snag, Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 2 of 8 and greater than 16 inches DBH for the other 1.6 snags (see PDFs for details). Standing dead or dying trees 10” DBH and greater will be available for harvest. Standing dead or dying snags 10” DBH and less will be retained. The BLM will use guidelines from the Southwest Oregon Forest Insect and Disease Service Center (SWOFIDSC) to assist in identifying trees with some live canopy, but with a high probability of fire-caused mortality. The “Predicted Tree Mortality by Species” guidelines (SWOFIDSC, 2001) displayed on page 10 of the EA will be used to assess fire-injured trees. Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Dispersal Habitat: Dead and fire-injured trees within 135 acres of NSO dispersal habitat will be salvaged using the same “Predicted Tree Mortality by Species” guidelines as described above for Matrix lands. Whole tree yarding: Trees will be removed and harvested by whole-tree yarding and groundbased logging systems. Cable yarding will be used to harvest stands on slopes averaging greater than 35% in Unit 31-2. In areas of the unit with favorable slopes less than 35%, a ground-based mechanical harvesting system will be used to cut and yard timber. Slash treatment: Slash will be utilized or piled and burned at landings to reduce future hazardous fuels conditions. Utilization methods could include spreading some slash on skid trails, chipping, grinding, or firewood. Conifer planting in salvage harvest units: Following salvage harvest, the same 1,650 acres of Matrix lands will be planted by hand with a mix of ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir and incense cedar seedlings. An additional 249 acres of Matrix lands that were not proposed for salvage harvest (due to lack of access, density, or economic feasibility) will also be planted. Roadside and hazard tree removal: Throughout treatment stands, near landings, and along all system roads, hazard trees as identified in the Field Guide for Danger Tree Identification and Response (USDA and DOI 2008) will be felled to ensure contractor and public safety. Roadside hazard trees felled within stands being salvage harvested will be removed from the site during salvage operations. On Reciprocal Right of Way (ROW) roads (M/L-690), hazard trees as defined above will be felled and removed by the holder of the ROW permit or left in place at their discretion. Road construction: A road approximately 0.30 mile in length will be constructed in Unit 31-2 (see Map 1 in Appendix A of the EA) to provide access for cable logging approximately 32 acres of Matrix lands. The road will be decommissioned (closed) following project activities. This road will be needed for future resource management so it will not be fully decommissioned (permanently closed), but it will be blocked to prevent vehicle use. Closure methods could include scarifying the surface, installing water bars, scattering slash and other debris along the length, and camouflaging and blocking the entrance using an earthen berm, logs, boulders or a combination of these methods. Road decommissioning: Three unsurfaced “shortcut” connector roads which total approximately 0.81 mile in length will be fully decommissioned (permanently closed), as described on page 9 of the EA under “Treatments Common to All Action Alternatives,” and displayed on Map 3 in Appendix A of the EA. These spur roads are not needed for management purposes in the foreseeable future. Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 3 of 8 Alternative 4 for DDRs, RRs, and ACEC I have chosen to apply Alternative 4 to the 1,446 acres of DDR, RR, and ACEC in the project area as follows: • District Designated Reserve (DDR): No salvage harvest in DDR (also called LSR in the EA). Conifers will be planted on approximately 192 acres of DDR. • Riparian Reserve (RR): No salvage harvest in RRs. Conifers will be planted on approximately 198 acres of RRs. • Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC): No salvage harvest in ACEC. Conifers will be planted on approximately 302 acres of ACEC. DECISION RATIONALE I am confident that the Oregon Gulch EA plus the supplemental information, including public comments on the EA and BLM responses to those comments, in addition to the comprehensive analysis done in the Klamath Falls Resource Area RMP/EIS to which the EA is tiered, represents a thorough analysis of potential effects associated with actions identified in the EA. I have chosen this combination of Alternatives 3 and 4 for the proposed forest management actions because these treatments best meet the Purpose and Need, and the direction established in the Klamath Falls Resource Area RMP for the following reasons: Salvage harvest only on Matrix lands I have chosen to maximize salvage harvest on Matrix lands (as proposed in Alternative 3) and not to salvage harvest in DDRs (also called LSRs), RRs, and ACECs (as proposed in Alternative 4). I feel that this combination best meets the project’s Purpose and Need for timely salvage harvest in order to capture merchantable timber values before further wood deterioration occurs (EA, pg. 3) while balancing the need for a healthy forest ecosystem that will support populations of native species and includes protection for riparian areas and waters (EA, pg. 4). My Decision will authorize approximately 1,650 acres of salvage harvest, which represents approximately 34% of the 4,865-acre project area. The remaining 3,215 acres (66%) of the project area that will not be salvaged consists of both forested and non-forested acres, as shown below in Table 2. Table 2. Acres salvaged vs. reserved from salvage by cover type Habitat type Acres (approximate*) Percent of Project Area (4,865 acres) Salvage Harvest Units 1,650 34% Acres reserved from salvage harvest 3,215 66% Forest (unsalvaged) 880 Non-forest (meadows,scab rock,etc) 785 Woodlands** 1,550 *Acres rounded to the nearest 5. ** “Woodlands” in BLM Forest Inventory data consist of a variety of cover conditions ranging from dense conifer stands including pine, Douglas-fir, cedar and juniper to open oak and brush savannahs. They are not classified as forest land due to the uneven nature of the stocking and potential reforestation issues. Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 4 of 8 Retain 2.6 Snags per acre It is my decision to retain 2.6 snags per acre over the 1,650 acres of salvage units. Reserving 2.6 snags per acre corresponds to the minimum number of snags required in the RMP and 2001 Record of Decision (ROD). Prior to the Oregon Gulch Fire, the project area was deficit of coarse wood based on the management direction in the KFRA RMP (pg. 23) where it states “leave 120 linear feet of logs greater than 16 inches in diameter and 16 feet long on Matrix lands.” The management direction (pg. 23) also states to retain snags within timber harvest units at levels sufficient to support species at 60% of potential levels, which equates to 1.9 snags per acre (RMP pg. 33). In the salvage harvest units, an additional 0.7 snags per acre will be retained to meet the standard and guidelines in the 2001 ROD for the white-headed and black-backed woodpeckers, pygmy nuthatch and flammulated owl (RMP pg. 33-34). The coarse wood deficit described above is not expected to persist in the project area as snags begin to fall due to decay and weather events in the near future. In addition, on all unsalvaged areas (approximately 3,215 acres or 66% of analysis area) all of the snags, except hazard trees, will be reserved. I did not choose to retain 10 snags per acre on Matrix lands (as suggested by some EA commenters) because the analysis showed no difference in impacts to cavity-nesting species such as the black-backed woodpecker (BBWP) when retaining 10 snags per acre (as proposed in Alternative 2) vs. 2.6 snags per acre (as proposed in Alternative 3). As stated in the EA on pages 51-52, “[t]he BBWP appears to be to most demanding in terms of snag density, of the woodpecker species likely to inhabit the Oregon Gulch fire, and exhibits a strong preference for stands not altered by timber salvage activity… Stands that are subject to even minimal salvage logging have a substantially reduced suitability for BBWP reproduction. This is not to say that BBWP will never be found occupying or reproducing in stands subject to timber salvage, but rather that given the state of knowledge on BBWP habitat relationships and their strong preference for high snag density patches, BLM cannot reliably count on stands subjected to timber salvage to provide for the needs of successfully reproducing BBWPs, or to provide for the population boom that this species is known for in post-fire forest habitat.” The EA analysis also indicated that some other cavity nesting species, such as the Lewis’ Woodpecker, may benefit from more open spaces (EA pgs. 51-58). In addition, all snags will be retained on the majority of the project area (approximately 3,215 acres or 66% of analysis area). Another reason I did not choose to retain 10 snags per acre on Matrix lands was due to economics. The EA economic analysis indicated that reserving 10 snags per acre would reduce the available Matrix harvest volume by approximately 6.6 million board feet (MMBF) compared to retaining 2.6 snags per acre. The estimated value of that 6.6 MMBF is approximately $990,000. These volume and cost figures are based on the original acreage estimates found in the Economic Section of the EA, pages 32-39. Retention of snags 10” DBH and smaller Within salvage harvest units, I have decided to retain all snags 10 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller primarily due to adverse economic impacts associated with their removal, and the lack of a substantial difference in fuel loads and predicted fire behavior, as analyzed in the EA (pg. 68-70). In addition, the retention of these snags will benefit many wildlife species and contribute to woody debris for nutrient cycling and wildlife (EA, pg. 46-65). Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 5 of 8 Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Dispersal Habitat My decision includes salvage of dead and dying trees in 135 acres of NSO dispersal habitat, using the “Predicted Tree Mortality by Species” guidelines, as proposed in Alternative 3. I have based my decision on the analysis found on page 45 in the EA: “Because the dispersal habitat removal caused by removing dying green trees from the 135 acres of post-fire dispersal habitat under this alternative [Alt. 3] would be highly likely to occur under no action as well due to delayed fire-caused tree mortality death; and because that stand level effect would occur in the larger context of a landscape not currently functional for spotted owl dispersal due to low amounts of dispersal quality habitat; and because the removal of the [fire-damaged] green trees in question is unlikely to retard the development of future NSO dispersal habitat, Alternative 3 would result in a determination of “no effect” with regard to spotted owls with regard to Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the USFWS.” Also, page 114 of the EA states that “[n]one of the proposed actions will have any effect on the current spotted owl population due to the lack of resident or territorial spotted owls within the project area. None of the alternatives would have any effect on suitable nesting, roosting or foraging (NRF) habitat for spotted owls because there is no suitable NRF habitat remaining in the project area post-fire.” Road Actions In order to maximize timber salvage on Matrix lands, I have decided to implement the construction of approximately 0.30 mile of road as proposed in Alternative 3 in order to access approximately 32 acres of salvage timber on Matrix lands. As described in the EA, “the road construction is not likely to affect populations of any of the special status wildlife species analyzed in this project” (pg. 61), nor is it expected that the road construction would contribute sediment to nearby waterbodies if BMPs and PDFs are followed (pg. 91). My decision also includes the full-decomissioning of three spur roads totaling approximately 0.81 mile, as described on page 9 of the EA, because they are not needed for future management. This decision results in a net decrease of approximately 0.5 mile of roads. No salvage on DDRs, RR, ACEC – tree planting only I have chosen not to salvage harvest in DDRs, RRs, and ACECs, but these special areas will be planted with conifers, as proposed in Alternative 4. Leaving these areas unsalvaged will provide short-term (5-10 yrs.) benefits to wildlife habitat values in the DDRs, RR, and ACEC (EA, pgs 62-65). The EA analysis showed that planting these areas (acreages listed below) will accelerate “the development of the live tree component of late successional habitat to some degree, likely decades faster than it would develop under the no action alternative” to maximize benefits for wildlife in DDRs, ACECs, and RR, as described on pages 62-65 of the EA: • 220 acres of DDR - 192 acres of conifer planting • 419 acres of RR - 198 acres of conifer planting • 807 acres of ACEC - 302 acres of conifer planting Riparian Reserves I have also chosen Alternative 4 for RRs because it will ensure that project implementation will not adversely affect water quality or ACS objectives, and will meet RR BMPs for present and future woody debris and snag retention. As stated in the EA on page 92, “Alternative 3 would not meet ACS objectives due to water quality impacts. Alternatives 2 and 3 would not meet RR BMPs for present and future woody debris and snag retention.” Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 6 of 8 “High Quality Black-Backed Woodpecker Habitat” The combination of Alternatives 3 and 4 that I have chosen will result in retention of approximately 19% of “high quality (best) black-backed woodpecker habitat” as defined on pages 52-53 of the EA, rather than the 40% recommended by the 2000 Altman conservation strategy. To be clear, the 19% of “high quality” BBWP habitat is not the only forested land within the project area that is being reserved from harvest. Approximately 2,430 acres, or 50%, of the burned forest and woodland areas in the analysis area are being reserved from treatment (see Table 2 above). These areas are expected to provide additional habitat that will be used by BBWPs and other snag-dependent species. In addition, the analysis of the BBWP concludes on page 61 of the EA that “[d]espite the importance of high severity/high snag density burned forest to this species, salvage harvest in the Oregon Gulch project area specifically, under any of the action alternatives, is unlikely to depress the regional or overall population of BBWP to the point that they are at risk of extirpation from the region or extinction. The Oregon Gulch fire is a very small percentage of the 0-5 year old burned forest habitat in the region, and within the entire range of occurrence of the species, and BBWP occurs in low numbers in “green” habitats as well.” Plan Conformance and Consistency with other Direction The Klamath Falls Resource Area initiated planning and design for this project to conform with and be consistent with the 1995 Klamath Falls Resource Area Resource Management Plan and the 2001 Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines. The actions selected from a combination of alternatives will help to move this portion of the landscape towards the desired future condition considered in development of the RMPs. The actions will comply with the Endangered Species Act, the Native American Religious Freedom Act, cultural resource management laws and regulations, and Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice). This decision will not have any adverse effects to energy development, production, supply and/or distribution (per Executive Order 13212). Finding of No Significant Impact No significant impacts were identified. No impacts beyond those anticipated in the KFRA RMP/EIS will occur. Refer to the accompanying Finding of No Significant Impact. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultation No consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the effects of the Oregon Gulch Salvage and Rehabilitation Project was necessary. None of the proposed actions will have any effect on the current northern spotted owl population due to the lack of resident or territorial spotted owls within the project area. None of the alternatives would have any effect on suitable nesting, roosting or foraging (NRF) habitat for spotted owls because there is no suitable NRF habitat remaining in the project area post-fire. The gray wolf is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in this part of Oregon at this time. There is no indication that the wolves are actually using the Oregon Gulch fire, or the BLM stands within the Oregon Gulch fire. Absent a den in or near the project units, none of the action alternatives are likely to affect gray wolves. Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment Page 7 of 8 There are no other threatened or endangered listed, proposed, candidate species or designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (as amended USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1973) that occur within the project area or that would be affected from project activities. Tribal Consultation Consultation with the Klamath Tribes has been on-going since September 24, 2014 for the Oregon Gulch Project Area and no concerns have arisen. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Initial Scoping The scoping proposal was mailed to adjacent landowners, permittees, agencies, and other interested parties on October 1, 2014. A public field trip to the Oregon Gulch project area was held on October 22, 2014 in which three people participated. As a result of scoping, the BLM received five letters from interested parties. All scoping comment letters and emails received can be found in the Oregon Gulch EA project file. A summary of scoping comments and responses can be found in Appendix D of the EA. The interdisciplinary team reviewed the scoping responses and used the relevant comments in developing alternatives. EA Comments The EA and draft FONSI were made available for public review and comment from February 4 through March 5, 2015. The KFRA BLM received six letters of comment on the EA from interested parties, agencies, and individuals. A summary of comments and BLM responses was mailed to those who commented, and is also filed in the Decision File. The EA comments received were all considered in making my Decision, but none of the comments presented cause for the interdisciplinary team to revise the Environmental Assessment. CONCLUSION In consideration of public comments, the consistency with the RMP, and the finding that there will not be any significant impacts, this decision allows for activities mentioned within this document and included in the Oregon Gulch EA. A Notice of Decision for these forest management actions (Decision Record#2) will be published on April 14 in the Klamath Falls Herald and News. This notice will constitute the decision date and as outlined in 43 CFR § 5003, Administrative Remedies at § 5003.3 (a) and (b), protests may be made within 15 days of the publication date of the Notice of Decision. Protests shall be filed with the authorized officer and contain a written statement of reasons for protesting the decision. 43 CFR 5003.3 subsection (b) states: “Protests shall be filed with the authorized officer and shall contain a written statement of reasons for protesting the decision.” This precludes the acceptance of electronic mail or facsimile protests. Only written and signed hard copies of protests that are delivered to the Klamath Falls Resource Area office will be accepted. /s/ Donald J. Holmstrom Donald J. Holmstrom, Field Manager Klamath Falls Resource Area Lakeview District, Bureau of Land Management Decision Record #2 – Oregon Gulch Environmental Assessment 4/14/2015 Date Page 8 of 8 07 08 09 18 17 16 11 12 15 14 13 m Creek 07 08 09 18 17 16 W ey c o1 06 4 10 To 0 -5E-6 .0 12 Mu d Sp r in Spu Salvage/Planting, Matrix (1650 ac.) 14 Bureau of Land Management State Lands .1 Private Lands 31 0 -5 E-2 4 36 Ward Road 40 -6E a 02 5.2 ach Co 35 a Po keg m - 35. 0 4 0-5E e Stag 30 25 29 - 3 .0 Wa rd Ro a OREGON CALIFORNIA 24 10 11 15 14 12 13 15 12 13 14 13 04 4 0-05 6E-3 .0 07 08 09 18 17 16 13 18 Analysis Area 33 .2 4 0-6E- 1 16 U.S. Forest Service 28 d 06 01 32 Ro 09 17 23 4 0-5E-2 4.1 Ti e Dix ie Co 13 Planting, DDR (192 ac.) Planting, Riparian Reserve (198 ac.) r E 17 21 OREGON athG R deeRr raiv KTlaopmsy d 22 18 in e Po werl Cr ee k B 08 20 T41S-R05E E dg e k S loan C re e eav e E a B ea v er Cre ek st r 15 eek Cr 07 r ee k 13 ai C rie 12 03 04 ng d 41-4 E-3. 0 rk Fo d rR ne .0 -3 Pr t Ro a ok Ro a d eyc W 41-4 Lo Jackson Co. Klamath Co. . 0 05 eg Tom am a 0 3. E-6 40 40-6E-5.0 Tie -5E 40 34 33 x ie Di 414.3 5 E- -27 Grizzly F la 32 06 P e Di x i 31 01 26 27 28 4 40 5E -3 Lo ng Tie 29 a o E s t Grizzly 5 E -1 40 - 36 k -1 4.0 4 0-5 E- 25.0 30 40 -5E 19 24 Planting, ACEC (303 ac.) om -T 25 9.2 ee e Cr i r i ra P 23 22 Dixi e Medford District Lakeview District eek 21 20 19 Planting, Matrix (249 ac.) e g am a 24 Hayden C r ee k Pok r Fa ll C o106 Upper Klamath River ACEC Road Construction (T40SR6ES31SESE) r We y c Oregon Gulch Fire Final Perimeter gs T40S-R05E Mu d Sprin g s 13 Oregon Gulch Fire Salvage and Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment Decision Record #2 17 Klamath Falls Field Office Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management 2795 Anderson Ave. #25 Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603-7891 (541) 883-6916 0 0.5 1:48,000 Miles 1 ± No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources and may be updated without notification. Acres displayed are approximate! MXD: P:\lak\kfra\ID_TEAM_NEPA\Oreg on_Gu lch_Fire\Products\Salvage_EA_Maps\OregonGulch _EA_ Proposed_Alternativ e_15 0410.mxd Prepared By : mlimb Current Date: 04 /1 0/2015 03:43:49 PM
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